MEET OUR TEAM

The 2025 Executive Board was elected in March 2025 and will serve until April 1st, 2026.

GAVIN COX

President

Gavin is a committed Democratic organizer and communications professional with deep roots in Volusia County’s progressive movement. He currently serves as Internal Communications Director and Deputy Field Director for the Josh Weil for Congress campaign, and holds several leadership roles including Congressional District 7 Chair for the Florida Democratic Party and State Committeeman for the Volusia Democratic Party. Gavin is also the current Chair of the Pride Democrats of Volusia, where he advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusive policy. His past organizing experience includes serving as President of the Daytona State College Democratic Club, Communications Manager for the Diemer for Congress campaign, and a college organizer for YesOn4. Whether he's knocking doors, crafting communications, or building coalitions, Gavin brings a strategic, passionate approach to Democratic activism in Florida.

GABRIELLE ADEKUNLE

Vice President

Gabrielle is our current Vice President of Volusia Young Dems. She is also the Central Florida Regional Director for Florida Young Dems, the Youth Chair of the Volusia Democratic Party’s Youth Subcommittee, and the Secretary of the Pride Dems of Volusia. This previous campaign cycle, she worked as a Campaign Manager for a congressional campaign. She is currently working as the Deputy Campaign Manager for the Congressional District 6 special election. She became involved in politics in 2020 after the BLM movement protests occurred throughout the US. During this time she founded an organization called Take Action Florida dedicated to bringing activism and education to a plethora of social issues and highlighting the intersectionality between them. She served as President of the organization for 3 years. Concurrently, she served as her party’s first Minority Party Leader and had a range of roles from Outreach Director, Political Strategist, Volunteer Coordinator, and more. She plans to do whatever is necessary to turn Volusia blue.

EMMA RIDGE

Secretary

Emma Ridge can’t wait to serve as Secretary of the Volusia Young Democrats, where she will bring her sharp attention to detail and strong organizational skills to the table. A professional stenographer by trade, she’s no stranger to fast-paced environments and accurate record-keeping.

When she’s not advocating for progressive change in her community, she enjoys traveling to new places and unwinding with a good TV binge.

MATTHEW BURNETTE

Treasurer

If there's a job in Florida politics, Matt has done it. From managing a congressional campaign to running countywide field operations, he has proven an effective organizer and adept political mind. Matt most recently served as the Campaign Manager for Brandon Peters' impressive run for State House. He was elected Treasurer in 2021 and re-elected in 2022 and 2023.

LAUREN DONATO

Communications Officer

Hi, I'm Lauren! I am excited to serve as the new VYD Communications Officer for 2025! I moved to Florida from Colorado 2.5 years ago with my boyfriend and love living the Florida lifestyle.

My day job consists of auditing, but outside of work, you'll usually find me planning my next international travel adventure, working up a sweat at Orangetheory, cooking up a masterpiece in the kitchen, training for my next half marathon, or spending time with my dog, Wrigley, who's named after Wrigley Field in Chicago because I am a HUGE Cubs fan! Let's talk baseball! With a passion for clear, effective communication, I look forward to keeping our members informed and engaged!

RAKEEM FORD

Fundraising and Development Officer

Rakeem Ford proudly serves as the Fundraising and Development Officer for the Volusia County Young Democrats. A dedicated advocate for youth engagement , Rakeem brings both passion and strategy to his role, helping to build the financial foundation necessary to drive meaningful political change across the county.

A proud graduate of Florida A&M University, Rakeem holds both a B.S. in Business Administration and an MBA. He currently works as a grant manager for a national nonprofit focused on ensuring access to clean water and protecting waterways—causes that align with his commitment to environmental justice and public health.

Deeply rooted in his community, Rakeem also serves as a County Commissioner on the West Volusia Hospital Authority, where he is both the youngest and the first Gen Z member appointed to the board. His leadership reflects a drive to uplift underserved communities and bring fresh, forward-thinking ideas to the table.

Rakeem is honored to help lead the Volusia Young Democrats and remains focused on empowering the next generation of changemakers through civic engagement, fundraising innovation, and inclusive development.